Turning Commencement True Blue: Georgia Southern University unveils custom-designed blue regalia in time for Spring 2024 Commencement

Georgia Southern University’s future commencement ceremonies will be more True Blue than ever as graduates cross the stage in newly designed custom commencement regalia.

For the first time in the University’s history, graduates participating in commencement ceremonies will now wear custom-designed blue regalia. Each gown features embroidered University seals on the front, with slight variations of design elements for master’s, education specialist and doctoral degree levels.

In addition to aesthetic considerations, functionality played a crucial role in the regalia redesign process. The newly unveiled regalia now features a pocket, seamlessly blending tradition with practicality, allowing graduates to carry essential items during commencement ceremonies.

The regalia worn by faculty and graduates serves as a symbolic representation of the University’s values, traditions and academic excellence. The new regalia reflects Georgia Southern’s distinctive brand, colors and academic symbols, creating a visual identity that resonates with the University’s rich heritage.

A collaborative effort involving students, faculty, staff and alumni shaped the redesign process. A dedicated working group facilitated discussions and gathered valuable input from various stakeholders to ensure that the regalia truly represents the diverse perspectives and traditions of the Georgia Southern community. Before finalizing the design, feedback was also collected through focus groups, further emphasizing the inclusive and participatory nature of this transformative initiative.

Students who plan to participate in the spring ceremonies may begin ordering the new regalia on Tuesday, Feb. 6, via the Herff Jones website.

The deadline for spring graduates to order caps and gowns is March 31. Doctoral candidates who plan to order deluxe doctoral regalia, which is tailored to the individual, must do so by March 8. Caps and gowns are expected to ship approximately six to eight weeks from date of the order.

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